🔗 Share this article California's Governor Blocks Parole for Cult Member Patricia Krenwinkel The governor has once more rejected release for the convicted inmate, who has served more than five decades behind bars for her role in the 1969 murders orchestrated by Charles Manson. Governor's Decision Draws Criticism Months after California’s parole board found the 77-year-old suitable for freedom, the governor overturned the ruling and stated that the inmate “currently poses an unreasonable danger to society if released from prison at this time.” It was the second time the governor has prevented her release, and the decision was met with strong opposition from Krenwinkel’s longtime attorney, who claimed the governor opted for “political motives over human considerations” and overlooked the abuse she endured from the cult figure. “Newsom’s reversal of Pat’s grant has nothing to do with the record of her transformation or the danger she presents,” stated Keith Wattley, her legal counsel. “It is 100% political, in opposition to the facts and the controlling law.” Case History of the Crimes Krenwinkel was twenty-one when the Manson cult carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others, among them heiress Abigail Folger and hairstylist Jay Sebring, and the next evening killed Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. By 1971, she and other Manson followers were found guilty of multiple counts of murder charges for their involvement in the attack. Prison Transformation In her decades behind bars – she is California’s longest serving incarcerated woman – she has reformed, friends and her legal team stated. Krenwinkel has obtained higher education and her conduct is clean, legal counsel noted, which was one of the reasons the parole board supported her parole. The inmate has expressed remorse for her role in the crimes. Previously, she said: “I wish to express how terribly sorry I am for all the pain and suffering that I caused when I took the lives that I did … I strive daily to live amends … [and] work toward being a better person.” Previous Mistreatment and Reform An earlier inquiry by the parole board revealed she endured abuse in multiple forms by the cult leader, her attorney noted, stating that she has developed her “personal identity, independence, and ethical guidance”. Similar Instances The governor has previously denied parole for other former Manson followers. Leslie Van Houten was released from state custody in recent years after over five decades when a state appeals court reversed the governor's ruling to block her parole.